Some Like It Hot Review- By Michael Carlisle

 Title: Some Like It Hot
Year: 1959
Director: Billy Wilder
Country: US
Language: English

The silver-screen was home to many beauties throughout its history. In the 30's we were spellbound by the magnificent voice of Judy Garland. In the 40's Rita Hayworth stunned us with her long brown hair and magnetic smile. In the 50's Marilyn Monroe brought the room's temperature up as she flirted with the camera. All these women had fantastic careers, lots of men and, unfortunately, they had very big personal problems. Much of Monroe's issues would come up during the production of Wilder's Some Like It Hot. 

When two musicians, played by Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, witness a mob hit, they flee the state in an all female band disguised as women, but further complications set in as they encounter the sexy Sugar Kane Kowalczyk (Marilyn Monroe). 

The film is classic screwball comedy; inspired by the pictures of Groucho Marx and Charles Chaplin. There are slapstick chases, mistaken identities and  many "fish out of water" situations. It's a flick that is disguised as gangster, but is ultimately about sex and the hilarity that ensues because of awkward sexual situations. Both men want Monroe, but it's quite difficult to get her when they have to act the part of a woman. Every character thrives off their basic instincts and Wilder makes sure no time is lost to sentimentality. 

Inspiring a whole slew of drag comedies, like Mrs.Doubtfire and Tootsie, Some Like It Hot is not only fantastic because of its wit and inventiveness, but also because of its acting and the chemistry between the actors onscreen. Off-screen Monroe was a trainwreck of an actress; forgetting even very simple lines and not getting along with the crew. Tony Curtis once said "Kissing Monroe is like kissing Hitler" yet you couldn't tell his discomfort from what's shown on screen. A lot of credit must be given to the director and his editors.

In conclusion, though Woody Allen thinks it's over-rated, Some Like it Hot is one of the most enduring comedies of all time, which is a fantastic achievement considering many comedies have a short shelf life. Billy Wilder will forever be remembered as one of the greatest American Directors to live. Praise it! 5/5